Schengen Visa Spain (Short Term Visa)
Spain is a member of the Schengen Area, meaning it allows foreign nationals to apply for a visa that includes border-free travel through all 29 states in the zone. The short term Schengen Visa allows for stays of up to 90 days.
Total Law is a specialist immigration firm who support people of all nationalities in applying for visas globally. Get in touch with our team of solicitors today on +44 (0) 333 305 9375 for a chat on your circumstances and travel plans.
What is the Spanish Schengen Visa?
The Spanish Schengen Visa is a short-stay travel permission for those who are non-EU and non-visa exempt. It allows for the holder to stay in Spain or any other Schengen state for up to 90 days in a 180-day period – for leisure purposes.
The Schengen Area is a collective of 29 countries who facilitate border-free travel between them; so once a traveller has a valid Schengen visa, they may travel easily through all of them. As well as Spain, the Schengen Zone includes Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden and Switzerland.
Page Contents
- What is the Spanish Schengen Visa?
- Who needs a Spain Schengen Visa?
- Different Types of Short Term Schengen Visas for Spain
- Required Documents for Spain Schengen Visa
- Application Process for Spain Schengen Visa
- Spain Schengen Visa Processing Time
- Spain Schengen Visa Application Cost
- Spain Schengen Visa Refusal and Appeal Procedure
- How can Total Law help you with Spain Schengen Visa
- Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs a Spain Schengen Visa?
The Spanish Schengen Visa is for travellers who are not nationals of the European Union, European Economic Area or Switzerland. This means that citizens of the following countries don’t need a Schengen Visa to travel to or transit through Spain:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lichtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Sweden
- Switzerland.
Citizens of all other countries must apply for a Spanish Schengen Visa if they intend to transit through Spain, visit Spain or travel through Schengen states with Spain as their entry point.
Unsure if you need a Schengen Visa for Spain or should apply through another country? Call +44 (0) 333 305 9375 for advice from a Total Law immigration lawyer.
Different Types of Short Term Schengen Visas for Spain
With Spain being a member of the Schengen Travel Area, there are a number of different visas on offer from Spanish authorities that allow for entry to the country with border-free onward travel. These include:
Tourist Short Stay Visa
The most common Spanish Schengen Visa is the category C visa, allowing visitors to stay in the country for up to 90 days in a 180-day period.
Medical Visa
Where a traveller intends to travel to Spain (and/or another Schengen state but using Spain as their entry point to the area) for medical treatment and will need to stay for up to 90 days, they may apply for a Schengen Medical Visa.
Student Visa
The Spanish Schengen Student Visa is designed for those who wish to enter Spain for a period of up to three months to study or undergo formal training. This is only valid for studies taking place in educational establishments or institutions recognised by the Spanish government.
Transit Visa
Travellers who are citizens of some countries may require a Transit Visa if they intend to travel through Spain as part of an onward travel arrangement – even if they are not leaving the International Transit Zone of a Spanish airport. A Transit Visa is also available for sea-farers allowing disembarkment at a port or harbour.
Business Visa
If a traveller is intending to visit Spain for a work or business purpose rather than leisure, they may apply for a set Business Visa allowing Schengen travel throughout. A separate visa is available for those working short-term in Spain or other Schengen states for cultural, sports, or religious work, and for film crews.
Official Visit Visa
Official Visit Visas facilitate travellers attending Spain or other Schengen states for the purposes of a state delegation.
For clarification on which Spanish Schengen Visa is the most appropriate one for your stay, call +44 (0) 333 305 9375 to talk with a Total Law immigration advisor.
Required Documents for Spain Schengen Visa
Visa applications are submitted with supporting documentation to prove the applicant’s eligibility for them. These include:
- A completed and signed visa application form
- A valid and unexpired passport
- A colour photograph of the applicant meeting passport standards not more than 6 months old
- A receipt for the cleared payment of the visa application fee
- Proof of travel insurance coverage (with a minimum of €30,000 coverage)
- Details of the intended trip to Spain, including booked accommodation
- Proof of the applicant’s access to ‘sufficient funds’ to finance their stay themselves
- Proof of address.
Where a Schengen visa is being applied for business or study purposes, further documents relating to the employment or course to be studied must be supplied.
Once the application has been accepted and is undergoing the processing period, Spanish immigration authorities may request further supporting documentation. Processing applications are paused until such documents are received and so it’s always recommended that requests are met as soon as possible.
Application Process for Spain Schengen Visa
The application process for a Spanish Schengen Visa is fairly straightforward in most cases, with the following steps to be undertaken:
Ensure eligibility
In order to avoid unnecessary time and expenditure, it’s imperative that applicants ensure they are applying for the correct visa type for their nationality and travel intent. Call +44 (0) 333 305 9375 to confirm with an immigration expert at Total Law that you’re applying for the most appropriate travel permission.
Collect supporting documents
Applicants are responsible for submitting all evidential documents demonstrating their eligibility and suitability for their desired visa. All documentation should be collated ahead of time to avoid any delay in visa processing.
Book appointment at Visa Application Centre
Spain requires all visa applicants to attend an in-person visa interview appointment at one of their Visa Application Centres. In many countries, these are run by third party immigration partners to the Spanish government. Appointments can be booked online or on the phone and must be done in advance – there is no ‘walk-in’ service available.
Attend appointment
Applicants must attend their visa interview appointment on time and with all of their supporting documentation. There is usually a short discussion with an immigration officer regarding the intended purpose of the trip to Spain before copies of documents are taken and sometimes, photographs and fingerprints of the applicant.
Await processing
Once everything has been submitted, Spanish authorities process the visa application, with each case judged individually. They will contact the applicant in writing once a decision has been made.
Need help with any part of the visa process? Total can support you through it – contact us on +44 (0) 333 305 9375.
Spain Schengen Visa Processing Time
Each visa application case is judged individually. In most cases, applicants can expect to receive a decision on their application within 15 calendar days. However, where the applicant is invited to a second visa interview or receives a request for further documentation, it can take up to 45 calendar days. In the case of emergencies, fast track processing may be available. Call Total Law on +44 (0) 333 305 9375 to learn more.
Spain Schengen Visa Application Cost
A Spanish Schengen Visa incurs several costs. These are as follows:
- €90 fee per adult application, €45 per child application (aged 6-12), free for child applications aged under 6
- Service charge of €16.90 per application when submitted through a third party facility centre
- SMS and email tracking of visa application processing progress fee of €2.99 per application.
There are also indirect costs associated with visa applications which should be considered: including travel costs to and from visa interview appointments, admin fees and translation costs.
All fees are non-refundable, even where a visa application is refused.
Spain Schengen Visa Refusal and Appeal Procedure
Not all visa applications are accepted. In some circumstances, the Embassy or Consulate General may refuse to grant a visa. This happens most commonly because of incorrectly completed application forms, a lack of supporting evidential documentation or application for an inappropriate visa type.
Where a visa is refused, the relevant authorities will note any recourse to appeal in their refusal letter. Total Law can help applicants navigate the appeal process – call us on +44 (0) 333 305 9375 for more information.
How can Total Law help you with Spain Schengen Visa
Immigration law and procedures can be tricky, and rightfully so: there’s lots of safety and legalities to cover. At Total Law we work with visa applicants to maximise their chances of application and appeal success. Always aiming to communicate clearly and without jargon, our team of immigration solicitors take the stress out of the process by supporting applicants every step of the way.
Our office is contactable on +44 (0) 333 305 9375 for a chat with no obligation. No matter your circumstances or the complexity of your application, we can help. Get in touch today.
Advice Package
Comprehensive immigration advice tailored to your circumstances and goals.
Application Package
Designed to make your visa application as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Fast Track Package
Premium application service that ensures your visa application is submitted to meet your deadline.
Appeal Package
Ensure you have the greatest chance of a successful appeal. We will represent you in any case.
The Advice Package
During this untimed Advice Session with our professional immigration lawyers in London, you will receive our comprehensive advice, completely tailored to your needs and your situation.
The Application Package
With our Application Package, your dedicated immigration lawyer will advise you on your application process and eligibility. Your caseworker will then complete and submit your forms to the Home Office on your behalf.
The Fast Track Package
Our Fast-Track Application Package is a premium service for those who need to submit their application in time with their deadlines. Your case will become a top priority for our lawyers and you will benefit from our highest-quality services.
The Appeal Package
By choosing our Appeal Package, you can rely on our lawyers’ legal knowledge and experience to ensure you have the highest chance of a successful appeal. We will also fully represent you in any hearings/tribunals.
Related pages for your continued reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Schengen visa can be applied for no sooner than six months before and no later than 15 working days before the intended date of travel.
Citizens of Schengen states don’t require any travel documents to freely travel between them.
A Schengen visa for Spain holds with it a minimum travel insurance coverage of €30,000 as a requirement. This should include medical cover or the application may be refused.
Visa Application Centres vary by country. In some states, they are run by third party companies on behalf of the Spanish government, and in others, an in-house service is offered at the Embassy or Consulate.
No. The Schengen Area is made up of all EU states other than Ireland and Cyprus, but also non-EU countries Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
